Vibrant Fall Festivals Shine a Spotlight on their Communities

As autumn ushers in cooler temperatures and back-to-school buzz, it also brings the familiar parade of festivals celebrating the season’s rich traditions.

For hotels, restaurants, and other guest service venues, these events present unique opportunities to impress local residents and attract visitors from far and wide. Fall festivals bring free marketing that communities can—and should—use to their advantage.

Many businesses already do a great job using community events to attract more guests. In Salem, their Haunted Happenings event inspires a local hotel’s costume ball, while Autumn at the Arboretum in Dallas organizes a scavenger hunt that sends participants to neighboring shops and restaurants to collect clues and prizes.

Here, we explore five standout fall festivals and how local businesses can capitalize on their popularity.

1. National Apple Harvest Festival – Biglerville, Pennsylvania

What it’s all about:
Imagine a gathering dedicated to celebrating one glorious yet simple ingredient: In a place near historic Gettysburg, imagination becomes reality at the National Apple Harvest Festival. Held in early October, this event has been a beloved tradition for over 50 years. This festival celebrates all things apple in the heart of “apple country” with a blend of entertainment, food, and games.

What it’s known for:
Festival-goers enjoy live music, a classic car show, and a variety of contests, including apple pie baking and apple bobbing. The event also features local artisans showcasing their crafts, apple-themed food vendors, and opportunities to pick fresh apples.

How to join the fun:
Local hotels can create special “Apple Harvest Packages,” including discounted room rates and breakfast featuring local apple products. Restaurants can introduce seasonal menus highlighting apple-based dishes, while shops can sell locally sourced apple products like cider, pies, and scented novelties galore. Collaborating with the festival through sponsorships or promotions enhances visibility.

2. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati – Cincinnati, Ohio

What it’s all about:
German culture is at its finest and most fun as guests experience a whimsical outing with Cincinnati’s Oktoberfest Zinzinnati. Held in mid-September, it is the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the United States, attracting over 500,000 attendees. This vibrant festival celebrates German culture through food, music, and tradition.

What it’s known for:
Festivities include a large parade, live polka music, and the famous “World’s Largest Chicken Dance.” Visitors can indulge in authentic German foods such as bratwurst, pretzels, and, of course, plenty of beer. And we must not forget about the “Running of the Wieners” – a high-stakes race featuring the cutest dachshunds you’ve ever seen.

How to join the fun:
Restaurants can host special German-themed nights leading up to and during the festival, offering traditional dishes and beers. Hotels can offer “Oktoberfest Packages” that include transportation to the festival and exclusive deals on beer tastings and pub crawls. Local breweries often create special brews for the event.

3. Salem Haunted Happenings – Salem, Massachusetts

What it’s all about:
No one does Halloween better than the town with the most bewitching past. Salem, known for its witch trials of the 1690s, embraces its spooky history with the month-long Salem Haunted Happenings, running throughout October. This festival includes a variety of events, from family-friendly activities to more adult-oriented ghost tours.

What it’s known for:
Highlights include the Grand Parade, haunted house attractions, and psychic fairs. Visitors can explore historical sites with ghost tours or enjoy festive events like costume contests and pumpkin carving. Nearly every spot partakes in the fall fun.

How to join the fun:
Hotels can provide themed packages, including their own ghost tours or tickets to local attractions. Restaurants in Salem generally craft seasonal menus with Halloween-inspired dishes and cocktails. Bars can take it a step further with a “potions” bar and alchemy workshops. Shops can capitalize on the influx of tourists by featuring themed merchandise, from witch-themed apparel to artisanal goods.

4. Día de los Muertos (Muertos Fest) – San Antonio, Texas

What it’s all about:
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a culturally rich celebration honoring deceased loved ones. The Mexican holiday honors the reunion of the living and those they love who have passed on with special meals and celebrations. San Antonio’s Muertos Fest, held at the end of October, features music, art, and food reflecting the vibrancy of Mexican culture.

What it’s known for:
Festivities include colorful handmade altars (“ofrendas” or offerings to the dead), live music performances, art exhibitions, and a grand parade. Attendees can also participate in workshops on traditional Mexican crafts, enjoy a variety of authentic Mexican cuisine, and admire the intricate makeup and adornments of festival participants.

How to join the fun:
Restaurants offer special Día de los Muertos menus featuring traditional dishes like tamales and pan de muerto. Hotels tend to market cultural packages that include guided tours of local altars and festivities. Local shops can use this time to attract visitors seeking unique souvenirs.

5. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze – Hudson Valley, New York

What it’s all about:
Ever want to get lost in a sea of pumpkins and Halloween thrills just a stone’s throw away from the legendary town of Sleepy Hollow? Guests do this every year at the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, running from mid-September to November. Thousands of intricate jack o’ lanterns (hand-carved on site) are set against the backdrop of historic landscapes. It draws families and tourists from near and far.

What it’s known for:
Visitors can stroll through pathways illuminated by glowing jack o’lanterns, marvel at themed displays, and enjoy live music. The event showcases the artistry of pumpkin carving, beer making, and gourmet snacking amidst a whimsical evening stroll.

How to join the fun:
Local restaurants offer “Blaze Packages” that include dinner reservations and transportation to the event. Hotels can capitalize on the event by promoting stay-and-play packages featuring family-friendly activities and Halloween-themed decorations. Local artisans usually sell pumpkin products at various pop-ups, from baked goods to seasonal crafts.